Non-dehiscent sesame variety S25

ABSTRACT

A non-dehiscent sesame ( Sesamum indicum  L.) designated S25 has been found. Its degree of shatter resistance, or seed retention, makes S25 suitable for mechanized harvesting.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a new Sesamum indicum variety appropriate formechanized harvesting.

BACKGROUND

Sesame, or Sesamum indicum, is a tropical annual cultivated worldwidefor its oil and its nut flavored seeds. In the Middle East, sesame isconsumed as tahini, a sesame butter or sesame paste which is often mixedwith ground chickpea kernels in a food preparation called hummus. Sesameis used widely in China, Japan, and Korea as a cooking oil, and it isconsumed for its medicinal qualities. In recent years, the Japanese havebeen identifying and quantifying the medicinal benefits of sesame. Invitro studies and animal studies have indicated several antioxidantproperties of sesame (Namiki, M. 1995. “The chemistry and physiologicalfunctions of sesame,” Food Rev Int 11:281-329). In the westernhemisphere, sesame is primarily used in the confectionary trade in rollsand crackers. Throughout the world, sesame seeds or paste are mixed intosweets, e.g., halva. Sesame oil use in the cosmetic industry continuesto expand.

The sesame plant grows to a height of about 56-249 cm, and at its leafaxils are found capsules which contain the sesame seed. Upon maturity innature, the capsules holding the sesame seeds begin to dry down, thecapsules normally split open, and the seeds fall out. Commercially, theharvester tries to recover as much seed as possible from maturecapsules. From ancient times through the present, the opening of thecapsule has been the major factor in attempting to successfully collectthe seed. Harvesting methods, weather, and plant characteristics allcontribute to the amount of seed recovered.

The majority of the world's sesame is harvested manually. With manualnon-mechanized methods, it is desirable for the sesame seed to fallreadily from the plant. Upon physiological maturity, the sesame stalksare cut, tied into small bundles, and then stacked in shocks. Furtherharvesting procedures vary from country to country and from area to areawithin countries. Some move the shocks to a threshing floor so that theseed that falls out can be recovered. Others put plastic or cloth in thefields under the shocks to catch the seed. For manual harvesting methodsin which the dried, shocked sesame is moved to a threshing floor or overa plastic or cloth, preferred plant varieties include dehiscent, orsuper shattering, in which less than 10% of the seeds set are retainedin the capsule.

Other methods involve leaving the shocks in the fields, and when theshocks are dry, the sesame is turned upside down and struck with animplement to shake out all of the seed. For this type of manualharvesting method, it is preferred that the capsule hold as much of thesesame seed as possible until the farmer inverts the stalk. Plantvarieties rated as shattering which retain as much seed as possiblebefore inversion are preferred. Common methods of manual harvest arediscussed in Weiss, E. A. “Sesame”, Oilseed crops (2^(nd) ed.), Chapter5, Blackwell Science, Inc., Malden, Mass., p.131-164 (2000).

In an effort to mechanize the harvest of sesame, D. G. Langhamintroduced the use of swathers in Venezuela in 1944. The swathers wereused to cut the sesame plants, manual labor was used to bundle and shockthe cut plants, and combines were brought in to thrash the shocks. Itwas determined that seed shattering during mechanized harvesting methodscaused considerable loss of sesame seed. While mechanization wasconsidered to be essential for crop production in the Westernhemisphere, it became obvious that the dehiscence of the sesame seed podwas the principal obstacle to the widespread acceptance of sesame as acommercial crop. (Langham, D. G. 1949. “Improvement of Sesame inVenezuela,” Proceedings First International Sesame Conference, ClemsonAgricultural College, Clemson, S.C., pp. 74-79). As programs tointroduce sesame production in the United States in Arizona, SouthCarolina, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas were initiated, mechanizationwas considered essential due to high labor costs. Kalton, one of theTexas researchers, reported that the shattering nature of availablestrains was the main obstacle in complete mechanization of the sesamecrop. (Kalton, R. 1949. “Sesame, a promising new oilseed crop forTexas,” Proc First International Sesame Conference, Clemson AgriculturalCollege, Clemson, S.C., pp. 62-66).

In 1943, D. G. Langham found a mutation on a sesame plant. Capsules didnot open on plants expressing this mutation. In succeeding generations,Langham showed that it was a recessive single gene which produced thisindehiscence, where all the seeds were retained inside the unopenedcapsule. While it was believed that indehiscence would solve the problemof seed loss on mechanized harvesting, it was found that the capsuleswere too tough to effectively release the seed. Many of the capsulespassed through a combine without opening. When more rigorous combiningwas attempted, an increase in efficiency of capsule opening was achievedbut at the expense of seed quality. Seeds were broken due to the morerigorous combine conditions, and the broken seeds released free fattyacids. Chemical reactions with free fatty acids led to rancidity andconcomitant undesirability of the harvested seed.

The indehiscent sesame varieties described above were used by variousplant breeders in an attempt to develop desirable sesame lines. Inaddition to traditional cross-breeding approaches, some attempted toalter the chromosome numbers through tetraploids and interspecificcrosses. Yermanos attempted to improve release of seed by increasing thelength of the capsule so that there would be more surface for thecombine to crack the capsules open (personal communication).Unfortunately, even with a small opening on the top of the capsule, ahigh percentage of broken seed was found on mechanized harvesting,preventing commercial use of this sesame line.

D. G. Langham reported in the late 1950's that the placenta attachmentbetween each sesame seed and the placenta was important in the retentionof seed in the capsule. He believed that he could improve the shatterresistance of sesame with increased placenta attachment but did notbelieve that all the seed could be retained in the capsule (Langham, D.G., Rodriguez, Maximo, and Reveron Esteban. 1956. “Dehiscencia y otrascaracteristicas del ajonjolí, Sesamum indicum L., en relación con elproblema de la cosecha”, Genesa, Maracay, Venezuela, pp. 3-16). However,Yermanos reported that during capsule maturity, the placenta attachmentgradually weakens and is obliterated when the capsule is completelydesiccated. (Yermanos, D. M. 1980. “Sesame. Hybridization of cropplants,” Am Soc Agronomy-Crop Sci of America, pp. 549-563). Thus, itappeared that the placenta attachment would have little effect on seedretention in dry, mature capsules during harvesting. A seamless genewhich retained all the seed in the capsules was discovered by D. G.Langham and D. R. Langham in 1986. This was crossed with shatteringtypes, and some progeny had an opening at the tip of the capsule. Theseamless capsules were similar to the indehiscent capsules in that itwas too difficult to remove the seed from the capsule without damagingthe seed.

In 1982, the first non-shattering line (retaining 50-70% of the seedsset) requiring no manual labor was introduced. This line could beharvested by swathing the sesame, leaving it to dry in the field, andthen picking it up by a combine. Although complete mechanization wasachieved, extensive loss of seed due to adverse weather conditionscontinued to occur. (Langham, D. R., “Shatter resistance in sesame”, In:L. Van Zanten (ed.), Sesame improvements by induced mutations, Proc.Final FAO/IAEA Co-ord. Res. Mtng, IAEA, Vienna, TECDOC-1195, p.51-61(2001)).

Other varieties were developed between 1988 and 1997 which allowed fordirect combining with 70-90% seed retention, but extensive loss of seeddue to wind and rain continued to occur. Lines that generally yielded80% of the seed under ideal conditions would yield only 45-65% underadverse conditions. Thus, while many of the crosses began to moderatethe deleterious effects of mechanized harvesting, none were able toincrease the yields to the level of manually harvesting shatteringcultivars.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 6,100,452 which issued Aug. 8, 2000,disclosed non-dehiscent sesame lines Sesaco 22 (S22), Sesaco 23 (S23),Sesaco 24 (S24), 19A, and 11W, representative seed having been depositedunder ATCC accession number PTA-1400, PTA-1401, PTA-1402, PTA-1399, andPTA-1398, respectively. These sesame lines are characterized by theirhigh degree of seed retention within the capsule despite adverse weatherconditions such as wind and rain and the retention of a sufficientamount of sesame seed during mechanized harvesting to be competitivewith manual harvesting with minimization of seed breakage.

A non-dehiscent variety designated S25 has now been found which providessome improvements over previously disclosed non-dehiscent sesame lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is seed of a sesame plant S25, asample of the seed having been deposited under ATCC Patent DepositDesignation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sesame plant or its partsproduced by growing the seed of sesame plant S25, a sample of the seedhaving been deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No.PTA-4258. Pollen is one of the sesame plant parts of the presentinvention.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sesame plant having allthe physiological and morphological characteristics of sesame plant S25,a sample of the seed of sesame plant S25 having been deposited underATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sesame plant having allthe physiological and morphological characteristics of a sesame plantproduced by growing the seed having been deposited under ATCC PatentDeposit Designation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sesame plant or its partshaving as a parent sesame plant S25, a sample of the seed of sesameplant S25 having been deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit DesignationNo. PTA-42581.

In another aspect, the present invention is seed from a progeny sesameplant having as a parent sesame plant S25, a sample of the seed ofsesame plant S25 having been deposited under ATCC Patent DepositDesignation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is seed from a progeny sesameplant having as a parent a sesame plant produced by the seed having beendeposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a tissue culture of seedhaving been deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No.PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a tissue culture of sesameplant S25 or its parts, a sample of the seed of sesame plant S25 havingbeen deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sesame plant regeneratedfrom a tissue culture of a seed having been deposited under ATCC PatentDeposit Designation No. PTA-4258, wherein the regenerated sesame planthas all the physiological and morphological characteristics of a sesameplant produced by the seed deposited under ATCC Patent DepositDesignation No. PTA-4258.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sesame plant regeneratedfrom a tissue culture of sesame plant S25, a sample of the seed ofsesame plant S25 having been deposited under ATCC Patent DepositDesignation No. PTA-4258, wherein the regenerated sesame plant has allthe physiological and morphological characteristics of sesame plant S25.

In another aspect, the present invention is a method of producing sesameseed, comprising crossing a first parent sesame plant with a secondparent sesame plant, wherein the first or second parent sesame plant wasproduced by seed having been deposited under ATCC Patent DepositDesignation No. PTA4258.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts the lineage of S25.

FIG. 2 depicts a comparison of the percent of seed retention during inshaker shatter resistance testing from 1997 to 2001 for sesame varietiesreleased by Sesaco: Sesaco 01 (S01) released in 1982, Sesaco 02 (S02)released in 1983-1987, Sesaco 03 (S03) released in 1985-1986, Sesaco 04(S04) released in 1984-1987, Sesaco 05 (S05) released in 1984, Sesaco 06(S06) released in 1984, Sesaco 07 (S07) released in 1985-1988, Sesaco(S10) released in 1988-1991, Sesaco 11 (S11) released in 1988-1995,Sesaco 12(S12) released in 1986-1987, Sesaco 14 (S14) released in 1989,Sesaco 15 (S15) released in 1990-1991, Sesaco 16 (S16) released in1991-1996, Sesaco 17 (S17) released in 1993-1998, Sesaco 18 (S18)released in 1994-1996, Sesaco 19 (S19) released in 1994-1995, Sesaco 20(S20) released in 1995-1997, Sesaco 21(S21) released in 1995-1998,Sesaco 22 (S22) released in 1997-1998, Sesaco 23 (S23) released in1998-2000, Sesaco 24 (S24) released in 1998-2002, and Sesaco 25 (S25)released in 2001-2002.

FIG. 3 depicts a comparison of the kill resistance ratings in Uvalde,Tex., in 2001 for the varieties released by Sesaco.

FIG. 4 depicts a comparison of the mean days to physiological maturityfrom 1998 to 2001 for the varieties released by Sesaco.

FIG. 5 depicts a comparison of the mean weight of 100 seeds in gramsfrom 1997 to 2001 for the varieties released by Sesaco.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Sesame cultivar S25 is a non-dehiscent sesame variety having superiorcharacteristics which make it a commercially suitable sesame line. S25exhibits non-dehiscence as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452, theteachings of which are incorporated herein by reference, making itsuitable for mechanized harvesting. In addition, S25 has an earlymaturing cycle which extends the planting region to more northernlatitudes and improved resistance against common fungal diseases.

The recommended geographical area for S25 is from South Texas at the RioGrande to southern Kansas and from east Texas westward to elevationsbelow 1,200 meters. S25 has not been tested in other states, but it isprojected that it would perform well in N. Mexico, Arizona, andCalifornia. S25 has not been exposed to the sesame diseases that havebeen reported east of Texas.

Sesaco used the pedigree method of plant breeding to develop S25. Sesameis generally self-pollinated. Crossing is done using standard techniquesas delineated in Yermanos, D. M. 1980. “Sesame. Hybridization of cropplants,” Am Soc Agronomy-Crop Sci of America, pp. 549-563 and U.S. Pat.No. 6,100,452. Ashri provides an overview of sesame breeding in Ashri,A. (1998). “Sesame breeding,” Plant Breed. Rev. 16:179-228.

The lineage of S25 is presented in FIG. 1. 192 (1) was a line obtainedfrom the M. L. Kinman in 1980 and first planted by Sesaco in the Woodsnursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. The line was originally T61429-B-4-1-3from the Kinman United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sesameprogram, College Station, Tex. which had been in cold storage at Ft.Collins, Colo. In 1997, the line was transferred to the National PlantGermplasm System (NPGS), Griffin, Ga. and given the identifier P1599462.Within Sesaco, 192 first carried the identifier 1479 and then waschanged to X191 and X193. In 1985, a selection from X193 became Sesaco 3(S03) and a selection of X191 became Sesaco 7 (S07).

888 (2) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma,Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, 888 first carried the identifier F888 andwas later changed to T888.

V52 (3) was a cultivar designated as SF075 obtained from the SesamumFoundation (D. G. Langham, Fallbrook, Calif.) collection in 1977 andfirst planted by Sesaco in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978.The Sesamum Foundation obtained it from B. Mazzani (Maracay, Venezuela)in 1960. Originally, it was a cultivar known as Venezuela 52 developedby D. G. Langham in the 1940s. Within Sesaco, V52 first carried theidentifier 0075 and was later changed to TV52.

K0367 (4) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Hancock nursery (Wellton,Ariz.) in 1986. Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier K0367.

G8 (5) was a line obtained from D. G. Langham in 1977 and first plantedby Sesaco in the Kamman nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1978. It was aselection from the cultivar ‘Guacara’ which D. G. Langham developed inVenezuela in the 1950s. Guacara was an initial selection from a crossthat later produced one of the major varieties in Venezuela—Aceitera.Within Sesaco, G8 first carried the identifier XO 11 and was laterchanged to TG8.

804 (6) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma,Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier F804; in1988, a selection of this line became Sesaco 11 (S11).

111 (7) was a line obtained from the NPGS (PI173955) in 1979 and firstplanted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. NPGSobtained it in 1949 from W. N. Koelz, USDA, Beltsville, Md. who obtainedit from India. Within Sesaco, 111 first carried the identifier 0858 andwas then changed to X111. In 1985, a selection of this line becameSesaco 4 (S04).

111X (8) was an outcross in the plot BT0458 in the Nickerson nursery(Yuma, Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it carried the identifier E0745.

88B (9) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Wright nursery (Tacna, Ariz.)in 1987. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier KAC32 and waslater changed to X88B and then to T88B.

56B (10) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Wright nursery (Tacna, Ariz.)in 1987. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier KAN00 and waslater changed to X56B and then to T56B.

F822 (11) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Nickerson nursery (Yuma,Ariz.) in 1982. Within Sesaco, it has carried the identifier F822.

562 (12) was a cross made by Sesaco in the McElhaney nursery (Wellton,Ariz.) in 1983. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier G8562 andwas later changed to T562.

700 (13) was a line obtained from the NPGS (PI292144) in 1979 and firstplanted by Sesaco in the Woods nursery (Wellton, Ariz.) in 1981. NPGSobtained it in 1963 from Hybritech Seed International, a unit ofMonsanto, U.S., which obtained it from Israel. In viewing this materialin 1986, A. Ashri of Israel concluded that it was an introduction toIsrael. The material is similar to introductions from India andPakistan. Within Sesaco, 700 first carried the identifier 0700 and waslater changed to T700.

S25 (14) was a cross made by Sesaco in the Sharp nursery (Tacna, Ariz.)in 1989. Within Sesaco, it first carried the identifier N2248. The seed(C954) from the cross was planted in Plot W7163 in the Gilleland nursery(Uvalde, Tex.) in 1990, and five plants were selected based on theobservation of “super hold/plants.” The seed (5870) of one of the plantswas planted in Plot J673 in the Corley nursery (Lamesa, Tex.) in 1991,and two plants were selected based on the observation of “good plants.”The seed (5045) of one of the plants was planted in Plot B864 in theGilleland nursery in 1992, and one plant was selected based on theobservation of “very early.” The seed (8397) was planted in Plot 6041 inthe Gilleland nursery in 1993, and three plants were selected based onthe observation of “longer capsule zone.” The seed (8079) of one of theplants was planted in Plot VB14 in the Corley nursery in 1994, theidentifier was changed to X6BF, and a bulk of 5 plants was selectedbased on the observation of “lot of capsules, placenta attachment inopen capsules and good lodging resistance.” The bulk seed (7853) wasplanted in Plot 1684 in the Gilleland nursery in 1995, and a bulk of 19plants was selected based on the observation of “super placentaattachment, quick drydown and best plot.” The bulk seed was planted inPlot 0811 in the Gilleland nursery in 1996, and a bulk of 54 plants wasselected based on the observation of “best individuals, best visualplacenta attachment, lower height, light seeking and asymmetricalbranching.” The bulk seed (0006) was planted in Plot C161 in theKrehbiel nursery (Hydro, Okla.) in 1997, the identifier was changed toX24W, and a bulk of 7 plants was selected based on the observation of“lower height and wider row.” The bulk seed (1466) was planted in PlotF077 in the Meeks nursery (Tipton, Okla.) in 1998, and a bulk of 61plants was selected based on the observation of “seed to the top, lotsof capsules, good branches that are not broken, low plants, and went todrydown faster than other lines.” The bulk seed (1702) was planted instrip KS10 next to the Schwartz nursery (Wall, Tex.) in 1999, and thestrip was combined. The combined seed was tested on the Bishop farm(Knippa, Tex.) and the Michalewicz farm (Water Valley, Tex.) in 2000,and the seed was combined. The combined seed was then released tofarmers in May, 2001.

Along with breeding programs, tissue culture of sesame is currentlybeing practiced in Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka and the United States. It ispossible for one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize sesame plantsgrown from tissue culture as parental lines in the production ofnon-dehiscent sesame. Further, it is possible to propagate non-dehiscentsesame through tissue culture methods. By means well known in the art,sesame plants can be regenerated from tissue culture having all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of the source plant.

The present invention includes the seed deposited under ATCC PatentDeposit Designation No. PTA-4258; a plant, designated as S25, or partsthereof which are produced by the seed deposited under ATCC PatentDeposit Designation No. PTA-4258; seed produced by plant S25 or itsprogeny having the physiological and morphological characteristics ofsesame plant S25 or a plant produced by the seed deposited under ATCC.Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258; any plant having plant S25 as aparent, and any plant having the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of sesame plant S25 or a plant produced by the seeddeposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258. Thepresent invention also includes a tissue culture of seed having beendeposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258 or a tissueculture of sesame plant S25 or its parts, a sample of the seed of sesameplant S25 having been deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit DesignationNo. PTA-4258. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of a seedhaving been deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258or from sesame plant S25, wherein the regenerated sesame plant has allthe physiological and morphological characteristics of a sesame plantproduced by the seed deposited under ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No.PTA-4258 is also contemplated by the present invention. Methods ofproducing sesame seed, comprising crossing a first parent sesame plantwith a second parent sesame plant, wherein the first or second parentsesame plant was produced by seed having been deposited under ATCCPatent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258 are part of the presentinvention.

Unless otherwise stated, as used herein, the term plant includes plantcells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which sesameplants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, plant cells thatare intact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen,ovules, flowers, capsules, stems, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips, andthe like. Further, unless otherwise stated, as used herein, the termprogeny includes plants derived from plant cells, plant protoplasts,plant cell tissue cultures from which sesame plants can be regenerated,plant calli, plant clumps, plant cells that are intact in plants, orparts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, capsules,stems, leaves, seeds, roots, root tips, and the like.

Sesame cultivar S25 has shown uniformity and stability within the limitsof environmental influence for the characters listed in Table I below.Table I provides the name, definition, and rating scale of eachcharacter as well as the method by which the character is measured.Under the rating section, the rating for S25 is presented in bold text.Additionally, the distribution of the character in Sesaco's sesamedevelopment program is indicated under the rating section. Sesaco usesslightly different character specifications from “Descriptors forsesame”, AGP:IBPGR/80/71, IBPGR Secretariat, Rome, (1981) and from theform “Sesame (Sesamum indicum)”, U.S. Department of Agriculture PlantVariety Protection Office, Beltsville, Md. The descriptors in thosedocuments were developed in the early 1980s and have not been updated toincorporate new concepts in sesame data collection.

TABLE I Characters Distinguishing the S25 Line Character RatingMethodology (1) BRANCHING Subjective rating The amount of branching onany particular STYLE Values: plant depends on the space around theplant. In The potential amount of U = Uniculm-no branching highpopulations, branching can be suppressed. true branching in a lineexcept weak branches in This rating should be based on potential as openexpressed on end plants and plants in the open. B = True branches Truebranches start in the leaf axil below S25 = B for all crops in all thefirst flower, and they begin to emerge nurseries before the first openflower. As long as there is Distribution within Sesaco light into theleaf axils, there will be additional based on stable lines in thebranches that start below the first branches in crossing program in1982- subsequently lower nodes. Weak branches 2001 (Total number ofoccur when a plant is in the open. They samples tested = 1,333) developin the lowest nodes and subsequent U = 42.4% branches start at highernodes. There are lines B = 57.6% that will not branch in anycircumstance. Some lines in the open will put on spontaneous brancheslate in the cycle. True and weak branches do not have a capsule in thesame leaf axil, whereas the spontaneous branches form under the capsuleafter the capsule has formed. Spontaneous branches are not counted asbranches. There are rare lines where the flowering pattern is to put onflowers on lower nodes late in the cycle. In this case, the capsule isformed after the branch is developed. This pattern should not be termedspontaneous branching, and the branch is normally counted as a truebranch. There are branched lines that have secondary branches on thebranches. In a few cases, there can be tertiary branches. Additionalbranches generally appear in low populations. Comments: the effects oflight appear to have more of an effect on branching than moisture andfertility. High populations suppress branching. (2) NUMBER OF Subjectiverating Rating can be taken from about 60 days CAPSULES PER Values: afterplanting through to the end of the crop. LEAF AXIL 1 = Single Number ofCapsules per Leaf Axil is highly The predominant number 3 = Tripledependent on moisture, fertility, and light. In of capsules per leafaxil in Based on potential as triple capsule lines, the central capsuleforms the middle half of the described in the methodol- first, andaxillary capsules follow a few days capsule zone ogy presented hereinlater. Triple capsule lines have the potential to S25 = 1 for all cropsin all put on axillaries, but will not do so if plants do nurseries nothave adequate moisture and/or fertility. In Distribution within Sesacodrought conditions, some triple capsule lines based on stable lines inthe will produce only a central capsule for many crossing program in1982- nodes. In these lines, when there is adequate 2001 (Total numberof moisture through rain or irrigation, some will samples tested =1,327) add axillary capsules on only new nodes, while 1 = 58.3% otherswill add axillary capsules to all nodes. 3 = 41.7% Some triple capsulelines will not put on axillary capsules if there is no direct sunlighton the leaf axil. To date, lines with single capsules have nectariesnext to the central capsule in the middle of the capsule zone whiletriple capsules do not. However, some lines have what appear to benectaries on the lower capsules of triple lines, but upon closeexamination, they are buds which may or may not eventually develop intoa flower and then a capsule. In most triple capsule lines, the lower andupper nodes have single capsules. There are some lines where the endplants can put on 5 capsules/leaf axil and a few that have the potentialto put on 7 capsules/leaf axil. 5 and 7 capsules only appear with openplants with high moisture and fertility. In some environments, singlecapsule lines will put on multiple capsules on 1 node and rarely on upto 5 nodes. These lines are not considered triple capsule lines. (3)MATURITY CLASS Subjective rating The basis for this data point is Daysto The maturity of a line in Values: Physiological Maturity (CharacterNo. 27). S24 relation to a standard line. V = Very early (<85 days) isthe standard line to be used to compute Currently, the standard E =Early (85-94 days) Maturity Class. In 1998-2001, the maturity of line isS24 at 95 days M = Medium (95-104 days) S24 averaged 95 days in theUvalde, TX, L = Late (105-114 days) nursery. For each line, thephysiological T = Very late (>114 days) maturity for each year issubtracted by the S24 S25 = E in 1998-2001 in maturity for that year inthat nursery, and then Uvalde nursery^(a) the number of days ofdifference is averaged. Distribution within Sesaco The average is thenadded to 95. based on stable lines in the See Days to PhysiologicalMaturity crossing program in 1998- (Character No. 27) for the effects ofthe 2001 (Total number of environment on Maturity Class. samples tested= 650) V = 1.2% E = 26.8% M = 56.2% L = 12.9% T = 2.9% (4) PLANTSubjective rating The first character is the Branching Style PHENOTYPEValues: (Character No. 1), followed by the Number of A three characterBranching Style Capsules per Leaf Axil (Character No. 2), anddesignation that provides U = Uniculm-no branching then the MaturityClass (Character No. 3). the branching style, except weak branches inWhen these characters are placed in a number of capsules per openmatrix, there are 20 potential phenotypes. The leaf axil, and thematurity B = True branches phenotype provides an overview of the generalclass Number of Capsules per Leaf appearance of the plant. There is avery high Axil correlation between Maturity Class and Height 1 = Singleof Plant (Character No. 5). 3 = Triple Maturity Class V = Very early(<85 days) E = Early (85-94 days) M = Medium (95-104 days) L = Late(105-114 days) T = Very late (>114 days) S25 = B1E for all crops in allnurseries Distribution within Sesaco based on stable lines in thecrossing program in 1998- 2001 (Total number of samples tested = 650)U1V = 0% U3V = 1.1% U1E = 3.8% U3E = 8.3% U1M = 16.0% U3M = 12.0% U1L =3.4% U3L = 2.2% U1T = 0.5% U3T = 0.6% BIV = 0% B3V = 0.2% B1E = 8.0% B3E= 6.3% B1M = 23.2% B3M = 4.8% B1L = 6.5% B3L = 1.0% B1T = 1.6% B3T =0.4% (5) HEIGHT OF Unit of measure: cm The measurement is made after theplants PLANT Values: average of 3 plants stop flowering. For plants thatare not erect or The height of the plant S25 = 125 cm in 2000 in havelodged, the plant should be picked up for from the ground to the topUvalde nursery = the measurement. In most lines the highest of thehighest capsule 126 cm in 2001 in capsule is on the main stem. In lineswith the with viable seed Uvalde nursery dt/dt alleles (determinate),the highest capsule Distribution within Sesaco is on the branches. basedon stable lines in the Comments: this height is dependent on thecrossing program in 1999- amount of moisture, heat, fertility, and 2001(Total number of population. Increased values generally increase samplestested = 2274) the height. In a high population, the height will low =56 cm only increase if there is adequate fertility and high = 249 cmmoisture; otherwise, the height will be shorter. 1 = <94.6 cm; 5.2% Inlow light intensities, the heights are 2 = <133.2 cm; 34.6% generallytaller. 3 = <171.8 cm; 54.9% 4 = <210.4 cm; 5.1% 5 = >210.3 cm; 0.1% (6)HEIGHT OF FIRST Unit of measure: cm The measurement is made after theplants CAPSULE Values: average of 3 plants stop flowering. For plantsthat are not erect or The height of the first S25 = 49 cm in 2000 inhave lodged, the plant should be picked up for capsule from the groundUvalde nursery = the measurement. In most lines, the lowest to thebottom of the 41 cm in 2001 in capsule is on the main stem. Truebranches lowest capsule on the Uvalde nursery have capsules higher thanon the main stem central stem Distribution within Sesaco except when theflowers fall off. Occasionally, based on stable lines in the on weakbranches, the lowest capsule is on the crossing program in 1999-branches. 2001 (Total number of There are lines that flower in the lowersamples tested = 2274) nodes late in the cycle, and, thus, the measure-low = 20 cm ment should be taken after flowering ends. In high = 193 cmmany lines the first flower does not make a 1 = <54.6 cm; 52.7% capsule,and, thus, this height may not be the 2 = <89.2 cm; 45.5% same as theheight of the first flower. The 3 = <123.8 cm; 1.5% height is correlatedto the length of time to 4 = <158.4 cm; 0.3% flowering, the earlier thelower the height. 5 = >158.3 cm; 0.1% Comments: see Height of Plant(Character No. 5) for effects of environmental factors (7) CAPSULE ZONEUnit of measure: cm The measurement is derived by subtracting LENGTHValues: average of 3 plants the Height of First Capsule (Character No.6) The length of the capsule S25 = 76 cm in 2000 in from the Height ofPlant (Character No. 5). zone. The capsule zone Uvalde nursery =Comments: see Height of Plant (Character extends from the bottom 86 cmin 2001 in No. 5) for effects of environmental factors of the lowestcapsule on Uvalde nursery the main stem to the top Distribution withinSesaco of the highest capsule on based on stable lines in the the mainstem. crossing program in 1999- 2001 (Total number of samples tested =2274) low = 18 cm high = 188 cm 1 = <52 cm; 4.7% 2 = <86 cm; 53.5% 3 =<120 cm; 41.3% 4 = <154 cm; 0.5% 5 = >153.9 cm; 0.1% (8) NUMBER OF Unitof measure: number The count is made after the plants stop CAPSULE NODESValues: average of 3 plants flowering. On alternate arranged leaves,each The number of capsule S25 = 26 in 2000 in Uvalde pair of leaves iscounted as one node. In some nodes from the lowest nursery = lines,there are three leaves per node for at least capsule node to the 29 in2001 in Uvalde part of the plant. In some plants, flowers may highestnode with nursery not have produced capsules on one or more of capsuleswith viable seed Distribution within Sesaco the leaf axils in a node.These nodes should on the main stem of the based on stable lines in thestill be counted. Nodes on the branches are not plant crossing programin 1999- counted. 2001 (Total number of In years when the amount ofmoisture samples tested = 2154) available to the plant is irregular,nodes can low = 10 become very irregular, particularly on triple high =54 capsule lines. In the upper portions of the plant, 1 = <18.8; 17.9%it may become easier to count the capsule 2 = <27.6; 48.3% clusters anddivide by 2. While it is possible to 3 = <36.4; 29.5% count nodes afterleaves have fallen, it is much 4 = <45.2; 3.6% easier to count while theleaves are still on the 5 = >45.1; 0.7% plant. Comments: the number ofnodes is dependent on the amount of moisture and fertility. Highermoisture and fertility increases the number of nodes. (9) AVERAGE Unitof measure: cm Divide the Capsule Zone Length (Character INTERNODEValues: average of 3 plants No. 7) by the Number of Capsule Nodes LENGTHWITHIN S25 = 3.0 cm in 2000 in (Character No. 8). CAPSULE ZONE Uvaldenursery = Comments: this length is dependent on the The averageinternode 3.0 cm in 2001 in amount of moisture, fertility, andpopulation. length within the capsule Uvalde nursery Increased valuesgenerally increase the length. zone Distribution within Sesaco In a highpopulation, the length will only based on stable lines in the increaseif there is adequate fertility and crossing program in 1999- moisture;otherwise the length will be shorter. 2001 (Total number of In low lightintensities, the lengths are samples tested = 2145) generally longer.low = 1.09 cm Past methodologies have measured the high = 8.09 cminternode length at the middle of the capsule 1 = <2.49 cm; 6.2% zone.Some have measured it at the median 2 = <3.89 cm; 74.6% node and othersat the median Capsule Zone 3 = <5.29 cm; 18.6% Length. 4 = <6.69 cm;0.4% 5 = >6.68 cm; 0.1% (10) YIELD AT Unit of measure: kg/ha On 3replicated plots, when the plants are DRYDOWN Values: average of 3 dryenough for direct harvest, cut a minimum An extrapolation of thereplications of 1/5000 of a hectare (Sesaco uses 1/2620) in yield of afield by taking S25 = 1343 kg/ha in 2000 in the plot and place theplants in a cloth bag. sample yields Uvalde nursery = Thresh the samplein a plot thresher and weigh 1614 kg/ha in 2001 in the seed. Multiplythe weight by the Uvalde nursery = appropriate multiplier based on areataken to 87 kg/ha in 2000 in provide the extrapolated yield in kg/ha.San Angelo nursery^(b) In the Almaco thresher there is about 3%Distribution within Sesaco trash left in the seed. Since yields arecompara- based on stable lines in the tive, there is no cleaning of theseed done crossing program in 1999- before the computation. If otherthreshers have 2001 (Total number of more trash, the seed should becleaned before samples tested = 1828) weighing. low = 67 kg/ha Comments:yields increase with moisture high = 2421 kg/ha and fertility. However,too high a moisture can 1 = <537.8 kg/ha; 5.6% lead to killing ofplants. Too high fertility can 2 = <1008.6 kg/ha; 15.6% lead to extravegetative growth that may not 3 = <1479.4 kg/ha; 51.5% lead to higheryields. The optimum population 4 = <1950.2 kg/ha; 25.8% depends on thephenotype (Branching Style, 5 = >1950.1 kg/ha; 1.4% Character No. 1;Number of Capsules per Leaf Axil, Character No. 2; and Maturity Class,Character No. 3) and row width. (11) RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating Ina year when there is a drought, this rating DROUGHT Values: 0 to 8 scalecan be used to differentiate the effects of the The relative amount of 7= Little effect from drought different lines. This is a highlysubjective resistance to drought 4 = Medium effect from rating requiringa rater that is familiar with the drought performance of the line undernormal 1 = Considerable effect from conditions. The rating is based onhow the drought drought changes the line from normal. Thus, aIntermediate values are used. short line that does not changesignificantly in S25 = 2.5 in 2000 in San a drought may have a higherrating than a tall Angelo nursery line which is affected by the droughteven Distribution within Sesaco though the taller line is taller in thedrought based on stable lines in the than the short line. crossingprogram in 2001 (Total number of samples tested = 632) low = 0 high = 81 = <1.6; 0.8% 2 = <3.2; 28.0% 3 = <4.8; 36.1% 4 = <6.4; 34.5% 5 = >6.3;0.6% (12) LEAF LENGTH Unit of measure: cm Select one leaf per node tomeasure from The length of the leaf Values: average of 3 plants the5^(th), 10^(th), and 15^(th) nodes from the base of blade from the baseof the S25 = 22.6 cm for 5^(th) node the plant. All the leaves for oneline should be petiole to the apex of the in 2001 in San Angelocollected at the same time. Some lines retain leaf from the 5^(th),10^(th), and nursery = the cotyledons, and the cotyledon node does15^(th) nodes 18.7 cm for 10^(th) node not count as a node. In somelines the lowest in 2001 in San Angelo leaves abscise leaving a scar onthe stem. nursery = Abscised nodes should be counted. In lines 14.8 cmfor 15^(th) node with alternate leaves, one node is counted for in 2001in San Angelo each pair of leaves. In some lines in parts of the nurseryplant there are three leaves per node which Distribution within Sesacoshould be counted as one node. for 5^(th) leaf based on stable Theleaves continue growing in the first few lines in the crossing programdays after they have separated from the in 2001 (Total number of growingtip. The choosing of leaves should be samples tested = 100) done aminimum of 5 days after the 15^(th) node low = 15.9 cm has appeared.Timing is important, because the high = 55.5 cm plants will begin toshed their lower leaves 1 = <23.8 cm; 41% towards the end of theircycle. 2 = <31.7 cm; 44% There are lines that have less than 15 nodes. 3= <39.7 cm; 12% In this case, the highest node should be taken 4 = <47.6cm; 1% and the node number annotated to the 5 = >47.5 cm; 2%measurements. Distribution within Sesaco There can be as much as 6 mmdifference for 10^(th) leaf based on stable between a green leaf and adry leaf. The lines in the crossing program measurements can be done ona green or dry in 2001 (Total number of leaf as long as any comparisondata with other samples tested = 100) lines is based on the same method.low = 12.0 cm Generally, the lowest leaves increase in size high = 53.5cm until the 4^(th) to 6^(th) node and then they decrease 1 = <20.3 cm;48% in size. This applies to all measurements (Leaf 2 = <28.6 cm; 40%Length (Character No. 12), Leaf Blade Length 3 = <36.9 cm; 8% CharacterNo. 13), Leaf Blade Width 4 = <45.2 cm; 3% (Character No. 14), andPetiole Length 5 = >45.1 cm; 1% (Character No. 15). Generally, the widthwill Distribution within Sesaco decrease at a greater rate than thelength. for 15^(th) leaf based on stable Comments: the length isdependent on the lines in the crossing program amount of moisture andfertility. Higher in 2001 (Total number of moisture and fertilityincrease the length. Leaf samples tested = 59) size also appears to beaffected by light low = 10.0 cm intensity. In Korea, the Korean lineshave high = 49.5 cm much larger leaves than in Oklahoma. In 1 = <17.9cm; 54.2% Korea, there is more cloud cover and a general 2 = <25.8 cm;37.3% haze than in Oklahoma. 3 = <33.7 cm; 6.8% The largest leaves areon photosensitive 4 = <41.6 cm; 0% lines which when planted in thetropics fall into 5 = >41.5 cm; 1.7% the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) class (13)LEAF BLADE Unit of measure: cm See Leaf Length (Character No. 12) on howLENGTH Values: average of 3 plants to collect leaves. The measurementdoes not The length of the leaf S25 = 14.6 cm for 5^(th) node includePetiole Length (Character No. 15). In blade from the base of the in 2001in San Angelo some leaves the blade on one side of the petiole leafblade to the apex of nursery = starts before the other side. Thismeasure the leaf from the 5^(th), 10^(th), 14.1 cm for 10^(th) nodeshould start from the lowest blade side. There and 15^(th) nodes in 2001in San Angelo are leaves that have enations where a blade nursery =starts and then stops. The enations are not 12.1 cm for 15^(th) nodeconsidered part of the leaf blade because they in 2001 in San Angelo arevery irregular from plant to plant and nursery within a plant.Distribution within Sesaco Comments: see Leaf Length (Character No. for5^(th) leaf based on stable 12) for effects of environment lines in thecrossing program The largest leaves are on photosensitive in 2001 (Totalnumber of lines which when planted in the tropics fall into samplestested = 100) the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) class low = 10.0 cm high = 31.0 cm 1= <14.2 cm; 30% 2 = <18.4 cm; 43% 3 = <22.6 cm; 22% 4 = <26.8 cm; 2% 5= >26.7 cm; 3% Distribution within Sesaco for 10^(th) leaf based onstable lines in the crossing program in 2001 (Total number of samplestested = 100) low = 9.8 cm high = 30.1 cm 1 = <13.9 cm; 30% 2 = <17.9cm; 43% 3 = <22.0 cm; 19% 4 = <26.0 cm; 6% 5 = >25.9 cm; 2% Distributionwithin Sesaco for 15^(th) leaf based on stable lines in the crossingprogram in 2001 (Total number of samples tested = 59) low = 8.5 cm high= 27.5 cm 1 = <12.3 cm; 28.8% 2 = <16.1 cm; 42.4% 3 = <19.9 cm; 20.3% 4= <23.7 cm; 5.1% 5 = >23.6 cm; 3.4% (14) LEAF BLADE Unit of measure: cmSee Leaf Length (Character No. 12) on how WIDTH Values: average of 3plants to collect leaves. There are many leaves that The width of theleaf S25 = 8.3 cm for 5^(th) node in are not symmetrical with lobbing onone side blade measured across the 2001 in San Angelo nursery = and notthe other. The width should still be leaf blade at the widest 3.8 cm for10^(th) node measured across the widest point on a line point at the5^(th), 10^(th), and in 2001 in San Angelo perpendicular to the mainvein of the leaf. 15^(th) nodes nursery = On some lines the widthexceeds the length, 2.3 cm for 15^(th) node particularly on lobedleaves. in 2001 in San Angelo Comments: see Leaf Length (Character No.nursery 12) for effects of environment Distribution within Sesaco Thelargest leaves are on photosensitive for 5^(th) leaf based on stablelines which when planted in the tropics fall into lines in the crossingprogram the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) class. The widest leaves are in 2001(Total number of lobed. Normally, the leaves have turned from samplestested = 100) lobed to lanceolate by the 10^(th) leaf with the low = 2.3cm exception of the tropical lines. high = 46.0 cm 1 = <11.0 cm; 52% 2 =<19.8 cm; 36% 3 = <28.5 cm; 10% 4 = <37.3 cm; 1% 5 = >37.4 cm; 1%Distribution within Sesaco for 10^(th) leaf based on stable lines in thecrossing program in 2001 (Total number of samples tested = 100) low =1.8 cm high = 37.0 cm 1 = <8.8 cm; 91% 2 = <15.5 cm; 6% 3 = <22.9 cm; 1%4 = <29.9 cm; 1% 5 = >29.8 cm; 1% Distribution within Sesaco for 15^(th)leaf based on stable lines in the crossing program in 2001 (Total numberof samples tested = 59) low = 1.2 cm high = 33.0 cm 1 = <7.6 cm; 94.9% 2= <13.9 cm; 3.4% 3 = <20.3 cm; 0% 4 = <26.6 cm; 0% 5 = >26.5 cm; 1.7%(15) PETIOLE Unit of measure: cm See Leaf Blade Length (Character No.13) LENGTH Values: average of 3 plants on how to collect leaves. In someleaves, the The length of the petiole S25 = 8.0 cm for 5^(th) node inblade on one side of the petiole starts before from the base of the 2001in San Angelo nursery the other side. This measure should end wherepetiole to the start of the 4.6 cm for 10^(th) node in the earliestblade starts. There are leaves that leaf blade at the 5^(th), 10^(th),2001 in San Angelo nursery have enations where a blade starts and thenand 15^(th) nodes 2.7 cm for 15^(th) node in stops. The enations are notconsidered part of 2001 in San Angelo nursery the leaf blade becausethey are very irregular Distribution within Sesaco from plant to plantand within a plant and for 5^(th) leaf based on stable should bemeasured as part of the petiole. lines in the crossing program Comments:see Leaf Length (Character No. in 2001 (Total number of 12) for effectsof environment samples tested = 100) The largest leaves are onphotosensitive low = 3.7 cm lines which when planted in the tropics fallinto high = 27.5 cm the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) class 1 = <8.4 cm; 40% 2 =<13.2 cm; 47% 3 = <18.0 cm; 10% 4 = <22.7 cm; 2% 5 = >22.6 cm; 1%Distribution within Sesaco for 10^(th) leaf based on stable lines in thecrossing program in 2001 (Total number of samples tested = 100) low =1.4 cm high = 28.5 cm 1 = <6.8 cm; 77% 2 = <12.2 cm; 20% 3 = <17.7 cm;1% 4 = <23.1 cm; 1% 5 = >23.0 cm; 1% Distribution within Sesaco for15^(th) leaf based on stable lines in the crossing program in 2001(Total number of samples tested = 59) low = 1.4 cm high = 20.0 cm 1 =<5.1 cm; 83.1% 2 = <8.8 cm; 13.6% 3 = <12.6 cm; 1.7% 4 = <16.3 cm; 0% 5= >16.2 cm; 1.7% (16) NUMBER OF Unit of measure: Actual The rating canbe taken from about 60 days CARPELS PER number after planting to all theway to the end of the CAPSULE Values: crop. The predominant number 2 =bicarpellate There are many plants with mixed number of carpels percapsule in 3 = tricarpellate of carpels as follows: the middle half ofthe 4 = quadricarpellate 1. Some bicarpellate plants will have one orcapsule zone S25 = 2 for all crops in all more nodes near the center ofthe capsule zone nurseries that have tri- and/or quadricarpellatecapsules Distribution within Sesaco and vice versa. based on theintroductions 2. Most tri- and quadri-carpellate plants will received in1982-2001 begin and end with bicarpellate nodes. (Total number ofsamples 3. Some plants have only one carpel that tested = 2702)develops. These capsules are generally bent, 2 = 97.6% but onexamination the 2^(nd) carpel can be seen. 3 = 0.0004% 4. On all types,flowers may coalesce and 4 = 2.3% double or triple the number ofcarpels. Sesaco has not developed lines with more than 2 carpels. (17)CAPSULE Unit of measure: cm After the plants are physiologically mature,LENGTH FROM Values: taken on the median take 2 capsules from five plantsfrom the 10cap TEST capsule in a 10 capsule middle of the capsule zone.On three capsule The length of the capsule sample per leaf axil lines,one central capsule and one from the bottom of the S25 = 2.7 cm in 2000in axillary capsule should be taken from the same seed chamber to thetop of Uvalde nursery = leaf axil. The measurement is taken on the theseed chamber from the 2.8 cm in 2001 in median capsule of single capsulelines and on outside of the capsule. Uvalde nursery the median centralcapsule on three capsule The tip of the capsule is Distribution withinSesaco lines. The measurement is taken on dry not included in the basedon 10cap test in all capsules because the length can shorten asmeasurement. nurseries in 1997-2001 much as one mm on drydown. (Totalnumber of samples The 10 capsules can be sampled from tested = 3145)physiological maturity through complete low = 1.3 cm drydown without aneffect on this character. high = 4.5 cm Generally, the capsules in themiddle of the 1 = <1.94 cm; 3.6% capsule zone are the longest on theplant. 2 = <2.58 cm; 67.4% Comments: the length of the capsule is 3 =<3.22 cm; 27.1% dependent on the amount of moisture, fertility, 4 =<3.86 cm; 1.7% and population. Higher moisture and fertility 5 = >3.85cm; 0.3% increase the length. Higher population decreases the lengtheven with adequate moisture/fertility. (18) SEED WEIGHT Unit of measure:grams See Capsule Length from 10cap Test PER CAPSULE Values: average of10 (Character No. 17) for collection of capsules. FROM 10cap TESTcapsules The capsules should be dried, the seed threshed The weight ofthe seed in S25 = 0.292 g in 2000 in out, and the seed weighed. acapsule from the center Uvalde nursery = The 10 capsules can be sampledfrom of the capsule zone 0.213 g in 2001 in physiological maturitythrough complete Uvalde nursery drydown without an effect on thischaracter. Distribution within Sesaco After drydown, only capsules withall their based on 10cap test in all seed are taken. Thus, this testcannot be done nurseries in 1997-2001 on shattering lines after drydown.(Total number of samples Generally, the capsules in the middle of thetested = 3208) capsule zone have the highest seed weight per low = 0.053g capsule on the plant. high = 0.476 g Comments: weight is dependent uonthe 1 = <0.138 g; 2.7% amount of moisture, fertility, and population. 2= <0.222 g; 51.1% Higher moisture and fertility increase the 3 = <0.307g; 44.9% weight. Higher population decreases the 4 = <0.391 g; 1.2%weight even with adequate moisture/fertility. 5 = >0.390 g; 0.1% (19)CAPSULE Unit of measure: grams See Capsule Length from 10cap Test WEIGHTPER Values: average of 10 (Character No. 17) for collection of capsules.CAPSULE FROM capsules The capsules should be dried, the seed threshed10cap TEST S25 = 0.108 g in 2000 in out, and the capsules weighed. Theweight of the capsule Uvalde nursery = The 10 capsules can be sampledfrom from the center of the 0.138 g in 2001 in physiological maturitythrough complete capsule zone after the Uvalde nursery drydown withoutan effect on this character. seed has been removed Distribution withinSesaco Generally, the capsules in the middle of the based on 10cap testin all capsule zone have the highest capsule weight nurseries in1997-2001 per capsule on the plant. (Total number of samples Comments:see Seed Weight per Capsule tested = 3207) from 10cap Test (CharacterNo. 18) for the low = 0.059 g effects of environmental factors high =0.395 g 1 = <0.126 g; 28.2% 2 = <0.193 g; 61.6% 3 = <0.261 g; 9.0% 4 =<0.328 g; 0.8% 5 = >0.327 g; 0.3% (20) CAPSULE Unit of measure: gramsThe weight is derived by dividing the WEIGHT PER CM Values: average of10 Capsule Weight per Capsule from 10cap Test OF CAPSULE capsules(Character No. 19) by the Capsule Length from The weight of a capsuleS25 = 0.040 g in 2000 in 10cap Test (Character No. 17). per cm ofcapsule from Uvalde nursery = The 10 capsules can be sampled from thecenter of the capsule 0.048 g in 2001 in physiological maturity throughcomplete zone Uvalde nursery drydown without an effect on thischaracter. Distribution within Sesaco Comments: this character is usedinstead of based on 10cap test in all capsule width. Capsule width isdifficult to nurseries in 1997-2001 measure because there are so manyvariables in (Total number of samples a capsule. In a bicarpellatecapsule, the width tested = 3144) differs when measuring across onecarpel or low = 0.027 g both carpels. Capsules can also vary throughhigh = 0.123 g the length of the capsule by being substantially 1 =<0.046 g; 11.5% narrower at the bottom, middle or top of the 2 = <0.065g; 47.6% capsule. In 1997, four widths were measured 3 = <0.085 g; 35.6%on each capsule and then averaged. This 4 = <0.104 g; 4.8% average had avery high correlation to the 5 = >0.103 g; 0.5% capsule weight per cm ofcapsule. See Capsule Length from 10cap Test (Character No. 17) foreffects of environmental factors (21) VISUAL SEED Subjective rating Whenthe plants in a plot are dry below RETENTION Values: where the cutterbar would hit the plant, assign Amount of seed in most of Seed Retentiona rating based on the following guidelines. If the capsules in themiddle 8 = 100% just identifying lines for further testing, use half ofthe capsule zone 6 = 75% V/X/W ratings. If identifying lines to use in awhen the plant(s) are dry 4 = 50% crossing program to improve seedretention, enough for direct harvest 2 = 25% use 0-8 ratings. Ratings6-8 can be seen with a combine 0 = 0% without removing the capsule fromthe plant. Intermediate values can be For the other ratings, thecapsules must be used. opened. Rating is an overall subjective number V= >74% seed retention since retention can vary from plant to plant and(sufficient seed retention for even within a plant. 10cap testing) Theeffects of the environment are not fully X = <75% seed retention known.There are indications that in drought (unsuitable for direct harvest) orvery low fertility conditions, there is less W = >75% seed retentionseed retention. When high propulations lead to on weathering in fieldafter low moisture or fertility, there is less seed rains and/or windsfor more retention. From normal conditions through than 3 weeksfollowing high moisture/fertility conditions, there does completedrydown not appear to be an appreciable difference. S25 = W for allcrops in all nurseries (22) SHAKER Unit of measure: Actual See CapsuleLength from 10cap Test SHATTER Number expressed as (Character No. 17)for collection of capsules. RESISTANCE percentage The capsules should bedried. The capsules FROM 10cap TEST Values: average of 10 should then beplaced in flasks on a reciprocal The amount of seed reten- capsulesshaker with a 3.8 cm stroke with 250 tion after the capsules are S25 =79% in 2000 in strokes/min for 10 minutes (see U.S. Pat. dry, inverted,and put Uvalde nursery = No. 6,100,452). The seed that comes out of thethrough a shaker 76% in 2001 in capsules should be weighed as ‘outseed.’ The Uvalde nursery retained seed should be threshed out of theDistribution within Sesaco capsules and weighed to compute the ‘totalbased on 10cap test in all seed’. The shaker shatter resistance isnurseries in 1997-2001 computed as a percentage as follows: (total(Total number of samples seed-out seed)/total seed. tested = 3043) The10 capsules can be sampled from low = 0 physiological maturity throughcomplete high = 100 drydown without an effect on this character for 1 =<20; 12.3% shatter resistant types. When taking capsules 2 = <40; 9.1%after drydown, only capsules with all their seed 3 = <60; 25.1% aretaken. Thus, this test cannot be done on 4 = <80; 44.8% shattering linesafter drydown. 5 = >79.9; 8.8% Comments: there are indications that indrought or very low fertility condition, there is less seed retention.When high populations lead to low moisture or fertility, there is lessseed retention. From normal conditions through high moisture/fertilityconditions, there does not appear to be an appreciable difference inseed retention. Lines with shaker shatter resistance >64.9% are known asnon-dehiscent lines (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452). (23) CAPSULESubjective rating The rating is based on visual seed retentionSHATTERING Values: and other visual observations. The plants TYPE SUS =Super-shattering (<2 remain standing in the field without shocking.Amount of seed retention visual seed retention- GS plants can beidentified while the plant in a line or plant equates to <25%) isputting on capsules or at drydown because SHA = Shattering (<4 visualthe carpels in the capsules do not form false seed retention-equates tomembranes. There are plants that will have <50%) capsules with falsemembranes on the lower SSH = Semi-shattering (4-6 and upper nodes butmost of the capsules show visual seed retention- no false membranes.equates to 50 to 75%) ID plants can be identified during the SR =Shatter resistant (>6 growing season in that they have enations onvisual seed retention without the bottoms of the leaves. At dry downthey are id or gs alleles-equates to more difficult to distinguish fromother lines >75%) that have closed capsules (other than GS). ID =Indehiscent (presence There is less of a suture than other capsule ofid/id with capsule closed) types. IDO = Indehiscent (presence SUS, SHA,SSH, and SR are defined by of id/id with capsule open at Visual SeedRetention (Character No. 21). tip) Comments: most environmental factorsdo GS = Seamless (presence of not have much of an effect on capsulegs/gs with capsule closed) shattering type other than to make it moreGSO = Seamless (presence of difficult to distinguish in the overlabzone. gs/gs with capsule open at Generally, higher moisture, higherfertility, and tip) lower populations will decrease the shattering a S25= SR in all crops in all small amount-less than 10%. nurseries The windcan have a large effect in decreasing the amount of seed retention.Rain, dew and fog can also reduce seed retention. (24) NON-DEHISCENTRating: Lines are designated as ND only after they TEST Values: haveundergone a minimum of 3 shaker shatter A line that has passed the ND =Non-dehiscent line resistance tests. In order to be considered annon-dehiscent test of XX = Line that does not ND variety, the line mustpass the ND having shaker shatter pass the non-dehiscent test thresholdin multiple nurseries for multiple resistance >64.9%. ND S25 = ND forall crops in all years. For example, S25 has a mean of 72.9% linesshould not have id or nurseries seed retention in 113 shaker shatterresistance gs alleles. Distribution within Sesaco tests for 1997-2001.based on 10cap test in all nurseries in 1997-2001 (Total number ofsamples tested = 3031 ND = 56.8% XX = 43.2% (25) DAYS TO Unit ofmeasure: days This data is taken as a date and later FLOWERING Values:number of days converted to number of days. Flowering is Number of daysfrom S25 = 37 days in 2000 in defined as flowers that are open-not buds.planting until 50% of the Uvalde nursery = This is a somewhat subjectiveunit of plants are flowering 36 days in 2001 in measure because there islittle difference in the Uvalde nursery appearance of a line that has40% and a line Distribution within Sesaco that has 60% of plants withflowers. In based on lines in Uvalde addition, the plots are not walkedevery day, nursery in 2000-2001 and thus there is an estimate that theplot was (Total number of samples 50% a few days before or after thedate of data tested = 1831) collection. low = 33 days Comments:flowering can be accelerated high = 89 days by drought and it can bedelayed by higher 1 = <44.2 days; 87.9% moisture and/or fertility.Higher heat units will 2 = <55.4 days; 7.8% decrease the days toflowering. 3 = <66.6 days; 2.4% Some lines are photosensitive and willonly 4 = <77.8 days; 1.7% begin flowering at a certain number of hoursof 5 = >77.7 days; 0.2% daylight. Start of flowering does not alwaysequate to start of capsule formation. Many lines will flower and not setcapsules from the first flowers. (26) DAYS TO Unit of measure: days Thisdata is taken as a date and later FLOWER Values: number of daysconverted to number of days. Flowering is TERMINATION S25 = 75 days in2000 in defined as flowers that are open-not buds. At Number of daysfrom Uvalde nursery = the end of the flowering period, the rate that aplanting until 90% of the 66 days in 2001 in plant puts on open flowersis reduced. Thus, plants have stopped Uvalde nursery there can be morethan 10% of plants with buds flowering Distribution within Sesaco andstill have reached this measure since there based on lines in Uvaldewill not be more than 10% flowering any one nursery in 2000-2001 day.(Total number of samples This is a somewhat subjective unit of tested =2668) measure because there is little difference in the low = 61 daysappearance of a line that has 85% and a line high = 114 days that has95% of plants with no flowers. In 1 = <71.6 days; 21.1% addition, theplots are not walked every day, 2 = <82.2 days; 61.5% and thus there isan estimate that the plot was 3 = <92.8 days; 15.9% 90% a few daysbefore or after the date of data 4 = <103.4 days; 0.8% collection.Another problem is that under low 5 = >103.3 days; 0.8% moistureconditions the plots can reach the 90% mark only to begin floweringagain after a rain. In those cases the data is adjusted to the laternumber of days. The measure is based on the number of plants and not thenumber of flowering heads. The branches will stop flowering before themain stem, and thus the plot will appear like there are more plants notflowering. Comments: flower termination can be accelerated by lowermoisture and/or fertility, and it can be delayed by higher moistureand/or fertility. Higher heat units will decrease the Days to FlowerTermination. It is known that there are lines that stop flowering soonerthan expected in northern latitudes, but it is not known if this is dueto shorter photoperiod or cool temperatures. (27) DAYS TO Unit ofmeasure: days This data is taken as a date and later PHYSIOLOGICALValues: number of days converted to number of days. PhysiologicalMATURITY S25 = 87 days in 2000 in maturity (PM) is defined as the pointat which Number of days from Uvalde nursery = ¾ of the capsules haveseed with final color. planting until 50% of the 92 days in 2001 in Inmost lines, the seed will also have a seed plants reach physiologicalUvalde nursery line and tip that are dark. maturity Distribution withinSesaco This is a somewhat subjective unit of based on lines in Uvaldemeasure because there is little difference in the nursery in 2000-2001appearance of a line that has 40% and a line (Total number of samplesthat has 60% of plants with PM. In addition, tested = 2374) the plotsare not walked every day, and thus low = 77 days there is an estimatethat the plot was 50% a few high = 140 days days before or after thedate of data collection. 1 = <89.6 days; 16.8% Comments: atphysiological maturity, the 2 = 102.2 days; 58.0% seed will germinate.In addition, most of the 3 = <114.8 days; 23.6% seed will continuematuring enough for 4 = <127.4 days; 1.4% germination, but will not haveas much seed 5 = >127.3 days; 0.2% weight. Since in even a fully matureplant, there is less seed weight made at the top of the plant, this lossof seed weight does not seriously affect the potential seed weight ofthe plant. Physiological maturity can be accelerated by lower moistureand/or fertility, and it can be delayed by higher moisture and/orfertility. Higher heat units will decrease the days to physiologicalmaturity. Cool weather can delay physiological maturity. (28) SEED COLORSubjective rating This data is taken in the laboratory with the Thecolor of the seed coat Values: same lighting for all samples. The seedfrom WH = White the whole plant is used. BF = Buff Seed coat color istaken on mature seeds. If TN = Tan there is any abnormal termination,the colors LBR = Light brown are not quite as even. The color ofimmature GO = Gold seed varies. Usually light seeded lines have tan LGR= Light gray to light brown immature seed; tan, light brown, GR = Graygold, brown light gray, and gray lines have BR = Brown lighter immatureseed; black lines can have tan, RBR = Reddish brown brown, or grayimmature seed. BL = Black Usually, moisture, fertility, population andS25 = BF in all crops in all light intensity do not have an effect onseed nurseries coat color. Seeds from lines in a drought mayDistribution within Sesaco have a yellowish tinge. Seeds in some linesin based on seed harvested in all the tan, light brown and gold rangecan change nurseries in 1982-2001 (Total from year to year amongthemselves. number of samples tested = 161,809) WH = 0.8% BF = 74.8% TN= 9.0% LBR = 1.4% GO = 1.5% LGR = 0.6% GR = 1.4% BR = 6.5% RBR = 0.6% BL= 3.5% (29) SEED WEIGHT- Unit of measure: grams Count out 100 seeds andweigh. The seed must 100 SEEDS FROM Values: average of 3 samples be dry.WHOLE PLANT S25 = 0.25 g in 2000 in Comments: the weight increases withWeight of 100 seeds taken Uvalde nursery = higher moisture/fertility.Generally, the weight from the whole plant 0.27 g in 2001 in is lighterthan the seed weight taken from the Uvalde nursery 10cap test.Distribution within Sesaco based on stable lines in all nurseries in1997-2001 (Total number of samples tested = 1984) low = 0.10 g high =0.46 g 1 = <0.172 g; 0.6% 2 = <0.244 g; 10.1% 3 = <0.316 g; 56.0% 4 =<0.388 g; 26.1% 5 = >0.387 g; 7.3% (30) UVALDE KILL Subjective rating Onthe week a plot reaches PM, a rating is RESISTANCE Values: ratings arebased on assigned. The ratings are then taken for 2 The amount of plantsthe number of plants killed in additional weeks. The three ratings arekilled by root rots in the a plot. Before physiological averaged for afinal kill rating. For example, if Sesaco nurseries in maturity (PM),the following a plot has a final kill of 766, the average for theUvalde, TX ratings are used: plot will be 6.33. When a value of 1 or 2is 1 = >90% kill before Days to assigned, there are no additionalratings and Flowering Termination there is no averaging. (Character No.26) There are three root diseases that affect 2 = >90% kill between Dayssesame in Texas: Fusarium oxysporum, to Flowering TerminationMacrophomina phaseoli, and Phytophtora (Character No. 26) and Daysparasitica. Between 1988 and the present, to Physiological Maturityspores of these three have been accumulated in (Character No. 27) onesmall area of Uvalde, and thus it is an After PM, the followingexcellent screening area for the diseases. ratings are used: Althougheach root rot attacks sesame in a 3 = >90% kill different way withdifferent symptoms, no 4 = 50 to 89% kill effort is made todifferentiate which disease is 5 = 25 to 49% kill the culprit in eachplot. Pathological screenings 6 = 10 to 24% kill in the past have foundall 3 pathogens present 7 = less than 10% kill in dead plants. 8 = nokill Comments: normally, the ratings will S25 = 5.67 in 2000 in decreasea maximum of one value per week. Uvalde nursery = There is an overlapbetween any two ratings, 6.22 in 2001 in but this is overcome to acertain extent by Uvalde nursery using three ratings over 2 weeks.Distribution within Sesaco The amount of kill is usually increased withbased on lines in Uvalde any type of stress to the plants. Drought cannursery in 2000-2001 increase the amount of Macrophomina; too (Totalnumber of samples much water can increase the amount of tested = 3045)Phytophtora; high temperatures and humidity low = 1.00 can increase theamount of Fusarium and high = 8.00 Phytophtora. High population canincrease all 1 = <1.6; 1.7% three diseases. 2 = <3.2; 16.7% 3 = <4.8;38.7% 4 = <6.4; 31.2% 5 = >6.3; 11.6% (31) RESISTANCE TO Subjectiverating Ratings can be done in several ways: FUSARIUM WILT Values: 0 to 8scale 1. Take ratings after the disease is no longer (F. oxysporum) % ofinfected plants increasing Amount of resistance to 8 = Zero disease 2.Take ratings on consecutive weeks until Fusarium 7 = <10% infecteddisease is no longer increasing and average 4 = 50% infected ratings. 1= >90% infected 3. Take periodic ratings and average ratings. 0 = allinfected Comments: Fusarium has been a problem NT = no data in SouthTexas, particularly on fields that have NEC = no economic been plantedwith sesame before. Normally, damage-not enough disease only the UvaldeKill Resistance (Character No. to do ratings 30) rating is taken. S25 =6 in 1998-2001 in Uvalde nursery (32) RESISTANCE TO Subjective ratingSee Methodology for Fusarium PHYTOPHTORA See Values for FusariumComments: Phytophtora has been a STEM ROT (P. S25 = NT problem inArizona and Texas, particularly on parasitica) fields that have beenover-irrigated. Normally, Amount of resistance to only the Uvalde KillResistance (Character No. Phytophtora. 30) rating is taken. (33)RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating See Methodology for Fusarium CHARCOALROT See Values for Fusarium Comments: Macrophomina has been a(Macrophomina S25 = NT problem in Arizona and Texas, particularly onphaseoli) fields that go into a drought. Normally, only Amount ofresistance to the Uvalde Kill Resistance (Character No. 30) Charcoal rotrating is taken. (34) RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating See Methodologyfor Fusarium BACTERIAL See Values for Fusarium Comments: this diseaseoccurs occasionally BLACK ROT S25 = NEC for 1997 in when there iscontinual rainy weather with few (Pseudomonas Oklahoma nursery^(c)clouds. In most years, the disease abates once sesami) the weatherchanges. No economic damage has Amount of resistance to been noticed.Pseudomonas (35) RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating Ratings can be done inseveral ways: WHITE FLY Values: 0 to 8 scale 1. Take ratings after theinsects are no longer (Bemisia 8 = Zero insects increasing.argentifolii) 7 = Few insects 2. Take ratings on consecutive weeks untilAmount of resistance to 4 = Many insects insects are no longerincreasing and average the silverleaf white fly 1 = Insects killing theplants ratings. NT = no data 3. Take periodic ratings and averageratings. NEC = no economic Comments: there have been very few yearsdamage-not enough insects (1991-1995) where the incidence of silverleafto do ratings white fly has affected nurseries or commercial S25 = NECin 2000 in crops. In most years, a few white flies can be Uvalde nurseryseen in the sesame with no economic damage. Higher temperatures decreasethe number of days between generations. There are indications thathigher moisture and fertility increase the incidence of white flies, butthere is no definitive data. (36) RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating SeeMethodology for White Fly GREEN PEACH See Values for White Fly Comments:there have been very few years APHIDS (Myzus S25 = NEC in 2000 in(1990-1995) where the incidence of green persicae) Uvalde nursery peachaphid has affected nurseries or Amount of resistance to commercialcrops. In most years, a few aphids the green peach aphid can be seen inthe sesame with no economic damage. There have been many years in WestTexas when the cotton aphid has decimated the cotton and did not buildup on adjacent sesame fields. Higher moisture and fertility increase thesusceptibility to aphids. (37) RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating SeeMethodology for White Fly POD BORERS See Values for White Fly Comments:there have been very few years (Heliothis spp.) S25 = NEC in 2001 in(1985) where the incidence of Heliothis has Amount of resistance toUvalde nursery affected nurseries or commercial crops. In most podborers years, a few borers can be seen in the sesame with no economicdamage. (38) RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating See Methodology for WhiteFly ARMY WORMS See Values for White Fly Comments: there have been veryfew years (Spodoptera spp.) S25 = NT (1984-1987) where the incidence ofAmount of resistance to Spodoptera has affected commercial crops in armyworms Arizona. In Texas, army worms have decimated cotton and alfalfafields next to sesame without any damage to the sesame. It is not knownif the Arizona army worm is different from the Texas army worm. (39)RESISTANCE TO Subjective rating See Methodology for White Fly CABBAGESee Values for White Fly Comments: there have been very few yearsLOOPERS (Pieris S25 = NT (1992-1993) where the incidence of cabbagerapae) loopers has affected nurseries. In commercial Amount ofresistance to sesame, cabbage loopers have been observed cabbage looperswith no economic damage. ^(a)Uvalde nursery planted north of Uvalde,Texas (latitude 29° 22′ north, longitude 99° 47′ west, 226 m elev) inmiddle to late May from 1988-2001; mean rainfall is 608 mm annually witha mean of 253 mm during the growing season; temperatures range from anaverage low of 3° C. and an average high of 17° C. in January to anaverage low of 22° C. and an average high of 37° C. in July. The nurserywas planted on 96 cm beds from # 1988 to 1997 and on 76 cm beds from1998 to 2001. The nursery was pre-irrigated and has had 2-3 post-plantirrigations depending on rainfall. The fertility has varied from 30-60units of nitrogen. ^(b)San Angelo nursery planted east of San Angelo,Texas (latitude 31° 21′ north, longitude 100° 30′ west, 908 m elev) inearly to middle June from 1992-2001; mean rainfall is 490 mm annuallywith a mean of 201 mm during the growing season; temperatures range froman average low of 0° C. and an average high of 15° C. in January to anaverage low of 22° C. and an average high of 36° C. in July. The nurserywas planted on # 101 cm beds. The nursery was pre-irrigated in yearswhen there was no planting rain and has had 0 to 1 post-plantirrigations depending on rainfall. The fertility has varied from 20-50units of nitrogen. ^(c)Oklahoma nursery planted east of Clinton,Oklahoma (latitude 35° 29′ north, longitude 99° 29′ west, 489 m elev) inearly to middle June from 1996-1997; mean rainfall is 667 mm annuallywith a mean of 281 mm during the growing season; average dailytemperatures range from a low of 3° C. in January and an average high of28° C. in July. The nursery was planted on 91 cm beds. The nursery wasrainfed, and the fertility was 20 units of # nitrogen.

In developing sesame varieties for the United States, there are fourmajor characters that are critical: Shaker Shatter Resistance (CharacterNo. 22), Uvalde Kill Resistance (Character No. 30), Days toPhysiological Maturity (Character No. 27), and Seed Weight—100 Seedsfrom Whole Plant (Character No. 29). The first three characterscontribute to yield which is the ultimate determinant for the farmer togrow a variety. In improving the characters, the yields have to becomparable to or better than current varieties, or provide a beneficialimprovement for a particular geographical or market niche. ShakerShatter Resistance determines how well the plants will retain the seedwhile they are drying down in adverse weather. Uvalde Kill Resistancedetermines whether the plants can finish their cycle and have theoptimum seed fill. Days to Physiological Maturity determines how farnorth and to which elevation the varieties can be grown. Seed Weight—100Seeds from Whole Plant determines the market for the seed. Lack ofUvalde Kill Resistance can reduce Seed Weight—100 Seeds from WholePlant.

There are other characters important in developing commercial sesamevarieties explained in Langham, D. R. and T. Wiemers, 2002, “Progress inmechanizing sesame in the US through breeding”, In: J. Janick (ed.),Trends in new crops and new uses, ASHS Press, Alexandria, Va. BranchingStyle (Character No. 1), Height of Plant (Character No. 5) and Height ofFirst Capsule (Character No. 6) are important in combining. Capsule ZoneLength (Character No. 7), Number of Capsule Nodes (Character No. 8),Average Internode Length within Capsule Zone (Character No. 9),Resistance to Drought (Character No. 11), and Seed Weight per Capsule(Character No. 18) are important in creating potential Yield at Drydown(Character No. 10). Leaf dimensions (Characters No. 12, 13, 14, and 15)are important in determining optimum populations. Number of Carpels perCapsule (Character No. 16), Capsule Length (Character No. 17), CapsuleWeight per Capsule (Character No. 19), and Capsule Weight per cm ofCapsule (Character No. 20) are important in breeding for Visual SeedRetention (Character No. 21) which leads to testing for Shaker ShatterResistance and determining the Capsule Shattering Type (Character No.23). Days to Flowering (Character No. 25), Days to Flower Termination(Character No. 26), and Days to Physiological Maturity (Character No.27) are highly correlated and important in determining the geographicalrange for the variety. In the United States and Europe, the Seed Color(Character No. 28) is important since the majority of the marketrequires white or buff seed. There are limited markets for gold andblack seed in the Far East. All other colors can only be used in the oilmarket. In the United States, resistance to diseases and pests(Characters No. 31 to 39) are critical to allow the crop to reachmaturity and harvest.

FIG. 2 provides the Shaker Shatter Resistance of all the varietiesreleased by Sesaco since 1981. The figures are the mean from all testingin all nurseries from 1997 to 2001. S01 was an indehiscent variety withexcellent seed retention, but the seed could not be threshed out withoutmaking the seed unmarketable. S02 through S10, S12, and S14 weredeveloped for swathing at Days to Physiological Maturity, drying inwindrows, and then picking up with a combine. All of these varieties hadgood yields when there was little rain and high temperatures at harvesttime. In the bad weather, the yields were reduced. Attempts were made tolet these varieties dry down standing and then combining, but the yieldswere not commercially adequate. S11 was the first variety that could beleft standing for harvest with adequate yields in normal weather. Withthe exception of S17, varieties S15 through S22 were released forspecific niches. S17 replaced S11 in most locations until it wasreplaced by S23 and S24. S23 is considered to be the minimum acceptableShaker Shatter Resistance for commercial use. S25 provides about 73%seed retention, a desirable amount for mechanized harvesting.

FIG. 3 provides the Uvalde Kill Resistance of all the varieties releasedby Sesaco since 1981 as compared in the Uvalde nursery in 2001 using allplots. Uvalde Kill Resistance is a composite rating of resistance tothree root rots: Fusarium, Phytophtora, and Macrophomina. When sesame isfirst introduced into a growing area, there are few disease problems,but over time the spores of these fungi accumulate and diseaseresistance becomes critical. When sesame was first introduced in Uvaldein 1988, the yields were high. As farmers planted on the same fields insubsequent years, the yields decreased. S11 was very susceptible tothese root rots, and thus, it was replaced by S17, which wassubsequently replaced by S23 and S24. S25 exhibits a rating of 6.72,which is better than previously released non-dehiscent lines.

FIG. 4 provides the mean Days to Physiological Maturity of all thevarieties over the past four years in the Uvalde nursery. In the UnitedStates, sesame is currently grown from South Texas to southern Kansas.The growing window of a crop is determined by the earliest the crop canbe planted in the spring as the ground warms up, and the onset of coldweather in the fall. Current sesame varieties require about 21° C.ground temperature to establish an adequate population. In most years,the ground is warm enough in South Texas in middle April and in southernKansas in late May. Current sesame varieties require night temperaturesabove 5° C. for normal termination. In most years, the nighttemperatures are warm enough in South Texas until middle November and insouthern Kansas until middle October. There have been years when coldfronts affect the growth of sesame in the middle of September in thenorth. East of Lubbock, Tex., the elevations begin climbing towards theRocky Mountains, and there are later warm temperatures in the spring andearlier cold temperatures in the fall. In all years, if the sesame isplanted as early as temperatures allow, lines with Days to PhysiologicalMaturity of 105 days or less will have no problems. However, most areasare rainfed, and it is essential to have a planting rain before plantingthe sesame. Thus, the earlier the Days to Physiological Maturity of thevariety, the more flexibility the farmers have with planting date. InSouth Texas, the goal is to have varieties with a Days to PhysiologicalMaturity of less than 110 days while in southern Kansas the goal is lessthan 90 days. The mean Days to Physiological Maturity for S25 is 90.25days.

FIG. 5 provides the average Seed Weight—100 Seeds from Whole Plant ofall varieties between 1997 and 2001. The dehulled market is the premiumuse of sesame in the United States and Europe. In recent years, dehulledprocessors have been increasing the specifications of Seed Weight—100Seeds from Whole Plant to between 0.28 and 0.30 g, and larger seed ispreferable. To date, the Sesaco varieties with the highest SeedWeight—100 Seeds from Whole Plant have had marginal Shaker ShatterResistance and poor Uvalde Kill Resistance. Some markets have nospecifications on seed weight, but larger seed is still desirable. Themean Seed Weight—100 Seeds from Whole Plant for S25 is 0.29 g, whichfalls within the desired specifications.

Prior to 1988, all of the commercial sesame in the United States wasgrown in Arizona. S01 through S10, S12, and S14 were specificallydeveloped for Arizona. From 1988 to 1991, there was a transition fromArizona to Texas. In 1996, sesame spread into Oklahoma, and in 1998,into Kansas. In introducing sesame to Texas, the swathing technology wastried on S07 and S10, but farmers did not have the proper equipment; theplants fell into the furrows and could not be picked up; and/or blowingsand covered parts of the windrows. S11 was the first variety that couldbe combined directly, and S11 persisted until 1995. However, in additionto being susceptible to root rots, S11 was also susceptible to pestssuch as green peach aphids (Myzus persicae) (Character No. 36) andsilverleaf white fly (Bemisia argentifolii) (Character No. 35), and S11had too long a Days to Physiological Maturity (109 days) for West Texas.S15 was introduced for West Texas, but shorter Days to PhysiologicalMaturity (107 days) was still not early enough and the Shaker ShatterResistance (38.7% seed retention) was not adequate. S16 was releasedspecifically because it was tolerant to the white fly, but it did nothave good Shaker Shatter Resistance (42% seed retention) or Uvalde KillResistance (2.0 rating), and it was susceptible to lodging. S17 hadbetter Uvalde Kill Resistance (5.56 rating), aphid resistance, and whitefly resistance than S11. With an earlier Days to Physiological Maturity(98.5 days), S17 was the first variety that was suitable for West Texasand southern Kansas; however, S17 was susceptible to lodging. S18 andS21 were released for flavor for the Japanese organic market. S19 hadimproved lodging resistance over S17, but the yields in non-windy areaswere not as good as S17. S20 and S22 were released because of excellentdrought resistance. In the rainfed areas of Central Texas, the yields ofS20 and S22 were higher than S17, the large seed was desirable toprocessors, and no root rots had been seen. However, the root rot sporesbegan accumulating, and the S20 and S22 had to be discontinued. S24replaced S17 based on higher Shaker Shatter Resistance (74.4% for S24compared to 60.8% for S117), better Uvalde Kill Resistance (rating of6.18 for S24 compared to 5.56 for S17), shorter Days to PhysiologicalMaturity (95.0 days for S24 compared to 98.5 for S17), and larger SeedWeight—100 Seeds from Whole Plant (0.30 g for S24 compared to 0.26 g forS17). S23 was used in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma because of ashorter Days to Physiological Maturity than S24 (89 days for S23compared to 95 days for S24), but the Seed Weight—100 Seeds from WholePlant was marginal (0.26 g for S23 compared to 0.30 g for S24).

S25 was developed to replace S23 in southern Kansas and northernOklahoma even though the Days to Physiological Maturity is not quite asshort (90.25 days for S25 compared to 89.0 days for S23). Compared toS23, S25 has better Shaker Shatter Resistance (72.9% seed retention forS25 compared to 65.7% seed retention for S23) and Uvalde Kill Resistance(rating of 6.72 for S25 compared to 6.22 for S23), but the major reasonfor the replacement is the Seed Weight—100 Seeds from Whole Plant (0.29g for S25 compared to 0.26 g for S23). S25 will also be used topenetrate new growing areas in West Texas in higher elevations.

Over the past 24 years, Sesaco has tested 2,738 introductions from allover the world. Commercial samples have been obtained from China, India,Sudan, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mozambique, Pakistan, Myanmar,Bangladesh, Vietnam, Egypt, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela,Thailand, Turkey, Upper Volta, Uganda, Mali, Kenya, Indonesia, SriLanka, Afghanistan, Philippines, Colombia, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Somalia,Eritrea, Paraguay, and El Salvador. Additional research seed has beenreceived from the commercial countries and from many other countriessuch as Australia, Iraq, Iran, Japan, Russia, Jordan, Yemen, Syria,Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Angola, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, Cambodia, Laos,Sri Lanka, Ghana, Gabon, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Libya, Nepal,Zaire, and Tanzania. Research seed received from one country may haveoriginated from another unspecified country. All the commercial andresearch introductions have Capsule Shattering Type “SHA”. Usingselected characters from Table I, Table II provides a characterdifferentiation between S25 and name cultivars from all over the world.

TABLE II Character Differentiation of Various Sesame Varieties^(a)Character Rating Name cultivars tested by Sesaco Capsule Shattering SHAFrom Venezuela: Venezuela 51, Type (Character No. Venezuela 52, Guacara,Aceitera, Inamar, 23) Acarigua, Morada, Capsula Larga, Arawaca, Piritu,Glauca, Turen, DV9, Fonucla, UCLA From Mexico: Pachequeno, Yori, Anna,Teras, Denisse, Canasta, Tehvantepeter From India: TMV1, TMV3 FromTurkey: Ozberk, Muganli, Gamdibi, Marmara From Israel: DT45 FromGuatemala: R198, R30 From Texas: Llano, Margo, Dulce, Blanco, Paloma,Oro, Renner 1 and 2, Early Russian From California: UCR3, UCR4, Eva,Calinda (Cal Beauty) From Thailand: KU18 From Korea: Danback, Gwansan,Pungyiong, Suweon, Yuseong, Hanseon, Ahnsan, Kwangsan, Jinback, Pungsan,Sodan, Yangheuk, Konheuk, Whaheuck, Sungboon SSH From Sesaco: S02, S03,S04, S05, S06, S07, S08, S09, S10, S12, S14 ID From Venezuela: G2,Morada id From Texas: Rio, Delco, Baco, Improved Baco, Roy, Eli FromSouth Carolina: Palmetto From California: UCR234 From Sesaco: S01 SR Allothers, go to Non-dehiscent Test Non-dehiscent Test XX From Sesaco: S11,S15, S16, S17, S18, (Character No. 24) S19, S20, S21 ND All others, goto Branching Style Branching Style U From Sesaco: S22, 19A, 11W(Character No. 1) B All others, go to Number of Capsules per Leaf AxilNumber of Capsules 3 From Sesaco: S23 per Leaf Axil 1 From Sesaco: S24,S25 (Character No. 2) ^(a)SHA = shattering; SSH = semi-shattering; ID =indehiscent; SR = shatter resistant; XX = not non-dehiscent according tothe teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452; ND = non-dehiscent accordingto the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,452; U = uniculm branchingstyle; and B = true branching.

Table III compares S24 and S25 using all of the characters in Table I.In Table III, some of the values are different from the values used inFIGS. 2-5. The values in Table III are from side by side plots grownunder the same conditions, and the values in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 are basedon averages of all of the S24 and S25 plots grown in the nurseries anddates indicated. The major differences are indicated by an asterisk inthe “Dif” column.

TABLE III Character Comparison of S25 and S24^(a) No. CharacterYear/nursery S24 S25 Dif 1 Branching Style All B B 2 Number of Capsulesper Leaf Axil All 1 1 3 Maturity Class 1998-2001 UV M E * 4 PlantPhenotype All B1M B1E * 5 Height of Plant (cm) 2000 UV 126 125 2001 UV129 126 6 Height of First Capsule (cm) 2000 UV 50 49 2001 UV 45 41 7Capsule Zone Length (cm) 2000 UV 76 76 2001 UV 84 86 8 Number of CapsuleNodes 2000 UV 27 26 2001 UV 29 29 9 Average Internode Length within 2000UV 2.8 3.0 Capsule Zone (cm) 2001 UV 2.9 3.0 10 Yield at Drydown (kg/ha)2000 UV 1270 1343 2001 UV 1074 1614 * 2000 SA 202 87 * 11 Resistance toDrought 2000 SA 3.6 2.5 * 12 Leaf Length (cm)  5^(th)-2001 SA 19.7 22.610^(th)2001 SA 19.2 18.7 15^(th)-2001 SA 15.5 14.8 13 Leaf Blade Length(cm)  5^(th)-2001 SA 14.4 14.6 10^(th)-2001 SA 14.3 14.1 15^(th)-2001 SA12.7 12.1 14 Leaf Blade Width (cm)  5^(th)-2001 SA 9.3 8.3 10^(th)-2001SA 4.2 3.8 15^(th)-2001 SA 2.7 2.3 15 Petiole Length (cm)  5^(th)-2001SA 5.3 8.0 10^(th)-2001 SA 4.9 4.6 15^(th)-2001 SA 2.8 2.7 16 Number ofCarpels per Capsule All 2 2 17 Capsule Length (cm) 2000 UV 2.9 2.7 2001UV 2.9 2.8 18 Seed Weight per Capsule (g) 2000 UV 0.186 0.202 * 2001 UV0.198 0.213 * 19 Cansule Weight per Capsule (g) 2000 UV 0.118 0.108 2001UV 0.157 0.138 20 Capsule Weight per cm of 2000 UV 0.041 0.040 Capsule(g) 2001 UV 0.053 0.048 21 Visual Shatter Resistance All W W 22 ShakerShatter Resistance (%) 2000 UV 77 79 2001 UV 79 76 23 Capsule ShatteringType All SR SR 24 Non-dehiscent Test All ND ND 25 Days to Flowering 2000UV 39 37 * 2001 UV 39 36 * 26 Days to Flower Termination 2000 UV 78 75 *2001 UV 69 66 * 27 Days to Physiological Maturity 2000 UV 91 87 * 2001UV 97 92 * 28 Seed Color All BF BF 29 Seed Weight - 100 Seeds from 2000UV 0.25 0.25 Whole Plant (g) 2001 UV 0.27 0.27 30 Uvalde Kill Resistance2000 UV 4.60 5.67 * 2001 UV 5.67 6.22 * 31 Resistance to Fusarium Wilt1998-2001 UV 5 6 * (F. oxysporum) 32 Resistance to Phytophtora Stem RotNT NT (P. parasitica) 33 Resistance to Charcoal Rot NT NT (Macrophominaphaseoli) 34 Resistance to Bacterial Black Rot 1997 OK NEC NEC(Pseudomonas sesami) 35 Resistance to Silverleaf White Fly 2000 UV NECNEC (Bemisia argentifolii) 36 Resistance to Green Peach Aphid 2000 UVNEC NEC (Myzus persica) 37 Resistance to Pod Borer 2001 UV NEC NEC(Heliothis spp.) 38 Resistance to Army Worms NT NT (Spodoptera spp.) 39Resistance to Cabbage Loopers NT NT (Pieris rapae) ^(a)B = truebranches; UV = Uvalde nursery; M = medium maturity class of 95-104 days;E = early maturity class of 85-94 days; B1M = phenotype of truebranches, single capsules per leaf axil, and medium maturity class of95-104 days; B1E = phenotype of true branches, single capsules per leadaxil, and early maturity class of 85-94 days; SA = San Angelo nursery; W= weather visual seed retention >75%; SR = shatter resistant; ND =non-dehiscent; BF = buff color; NT = no data; NEC = no economic damage -not enough disease to do ratings.

Maturity Class, Plant Phenotype, Days to Flowering, Days to FlowerTermination, and Days to Physiological Maturity are all related. S25 isearlier than S24 allowing S25 to penetrate further north and into higherelevations than S24.

Yield at Drydown in Uvalde, Seed Weight per Capsule, Uvalde KillResistance, and Resistance to Fusarium Wilt are all related. The Yieldat Drydown and Seed Weight per Capsule of S24 was reduced by greatersusceptibility to root rots than S25. In years when there is littledisease, the Yield at Drydown and Seed Weight per Capsule of S24 and S25are not statistically different.

Yield at Drydown in San Angelo and Drought Resistance are related. S25is less resistant to drought than S24. In 2000 in San Angelo, there wasa drought with very low moisture in the soil profile at planting, andthe one irrigation of less than 50 mm was applied too late to help thecrop. S25 is not recommended for rainfed conditions where the annualrainfall is less than 700 mm per year or where there is a drought inprogress.

On Apr. 29, 2002, a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of sesame plant S25was made by Sesaco Corporation under the provisions of the BudapestTreaty with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801University Boulevard, Manassas, Va. 20110-2209, and the deposit wasgiven ATCC Patent Deposit Designation No. PTA-4258. This deposit will bemaintained in the ATCC depository for a period of 30 years or 5 yearsafter the last request or for the enforceable life of the patent,whichever is longer. Should the seeds from the sesame line S25 depositedwith the American Type Culture Collection become inviable, the depositwill be replaced by Sesaco Corporation upon request.

The foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way ofillustration and characters for purposes of clarity and understanding.However, it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications maybe practiced within the scope of the invention as limited only by thescope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. Seed of sesame variety designated S25, a sample of said seedhaving been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-4258.
 2. A sesameplant or a part thereof produced by growing the seed of sesame varietyS25, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC AccessionNo. PTA-4258.
 3. Pollen of said sesame plant of claim
 2. 4. A sesameplant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics ofsesame variety S25, a sample of seed of said variety having beendeposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-4258.
 5. A sesame plant havingall the physiological and morphological characteristics of a sesameplant produced by growing seed of sesame variety S25, sample of saidseed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-4258.
 6. Atissue culture of regenerable cells produced from seed of sesame varietyS25, a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC AccessionNo. PTA-4258.
 7. A tissue culture of regenerable cells produced fromsesame plant S25 or a part thereof produced by growing seed of sesamevariety S25 a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCCAccession No. PTA-4258.
 8. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissueculture of regenerable cells produced from seed of sesame variety S25, asample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-4258, wherein said regenerated sesame plant has all thephysiological and morphological characteristics of said sesame varietyS25.
 9. A sesame plant regenerated from a tissue culture of repenerablecells produced from a sesame plant produced by growing the seed ofsesame variety S25, a sample of said seed having been deposited underATCC Accession No. PTA-4258, wherein said regenerated sesame plant hasall the physiological and morphological characteristics of said sesamevariety plant S25.
 10. A method of producing sesame seed, comprisingcrossing a first parent sesame plant with a second parent sesame plantand harvesting the resultant sesame seed, wherein said first or secondparent sesame plant was produced by prowina seed of sesame variety S25,a sample of said seed having been deposited under ATCC Accession No.PTA-4258.